Denise, a renowned English actress, is most notably recognized for her captivating portrayal of Hazel, the beloved mother figure, in Russell T Davies' groundbreaking television series "Queer as Folk" and "Cucumber". Her impressive range is further demonstrated through her memorable performances as Denise Osbourne in "Coronation Street", Joanie in "Emmerdale", and the unconventional mother of Denny in "Bad Girls".
Denise's extensive experience in television is complemented by her notable appearances in several British soap operas, including her role as Ms. Madden, the devoted and fiercely loyal secretary to Lord Baddingham, played by David Tennant, in the series adaptation of Jilly Cooper's "Rivals".
Born in Portsmouth, UK, Denise's passion for the arts extends beyond acting, as she is also deeply involved in theatre and music. She earned her equity card with the Actor's Touring Company in the early 1980s, performing in a variety of plays worldwide, and made her mark with her first title role in "La Pasionaria" by Pam Gems at the Newcastle Playhouse.
Denise's remarkable talent has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Manchester Evening News award for "Best Supporting Actress" for her poignant portrayal of Mrs. Byant in "Roots" (Wesker) at the Royal Exchange, and the UK Theatre Award for "Best Performance In a Play" for her outstanding performance in "The Cherry Orchard" in 2018.
Denise's impressive filmography includes her appearances in the critically acclaimed British movies "Last Orders" and "The Last Tree". When she is not acting, Denise can often be found playing the autoharp and writing songs, showcasing her multifaceted creative talents.